Theme-based scoreboard for events

ABSTRACT

A scoreboard for events and a method of constructing a scoreboard. Embodiments of the scoreboard may include a rigid support structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a plurality of numerical representations. In some embodiments, the support structure of the scoreboard has a substantially rectangular shape, and the scoreboard includes at least one appendage portion coupled to the support structure at an outboard location of the support structure, the at least one appendage portion abutting a side of the support structure to provide the perimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than the substantially rectangular shape of the support structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/014,011, filed on Dec. 14, 2007, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/007,331, filed on Dec. 11, 2007,the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to scoreboards for events, and more particularlyto scoreboards that sharpen spectator interest in the event.

Scoreboards for events are in common use. These scoreboards aretypically plain, or “vanilla.” That is, scoreboards typically serveprimarily a basic informational purpose and evoke minimal interest fromspectators beyond such information. Nevertheless, driven in part bytelevision, more and more spectators look at events, such as sportingevents, as a spectacle and expect more.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a scoreboard thatmeets the expectations and enhances the experience and interest ofspectators attending events. Specifically, a display surface on asupport structure has a perimeter shape embodying a theme. Additionally,a graphic design on the display surface may also embody the themeembodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface. The scoreboardfurther includes a plurality of numerical representations, adapted andcontrollable for indicating an event, such as a score in a sportingevent, for example. The graphic design and the theme enhance theexperience and interest of spectators attending the event.

An aspect of embodiments of the present invention is a scoreboardincluding one or more substantially rectangular three-dimensionalsupport structures that house apparatuses for generating the numericalrepresentations. The one or more support structures also include acentral display surface that may include a pattern of openings fordisplaying the numerical representations therethrough. Another aspect ofsome embodiments of the present invention is a scoreboard having amodular construction. For example, a scoreboard according to the presentinvention may include one or more appendage portions that are attachedas outboard extensions of the support structure. The appendage portionsmay also include appendage display surfaces and be coupled to thesupport structure in such a way that the appendage display surfaces andthe central display surface are aligned to provide a graphic designhaving the appearance of a single, uninterrupted graphic design.

According to one embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes a rigidsupport structure; a display surface coupled to the support structure,the display surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; agraphic design on the display surface, the graphic design embodying thetheme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and aplurality of numerical representations.

In one embodiment, the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape ofthe display surface and the graphic design corresponds to a sportstheme. In other embodiments, the theme embodied by each of the perimetershape of the display surface and the graphic design corresponds to ageographic theme, a community theme, a recreation-based theme, asponsor-based theme, or a mascot theme.

In one embodiment, the graphic design is printed on a vinyl sheet. Inone embodiment, the vinyl sheet is attached to the display surface viaan adhesive. In one embodiment, the graphic design is printed directlyon the display surface.

In one embodiment, the display surface comprises a pattern of openings,and numerical representations of the plurality of numericalrepresentations are in registration with openings of the pattern ofopenings. In one embodiment, the graphic design covers substantially allof the display surface.

In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes at least oneappendage portion coupled to the support structure at an outboardlocation of the support structure. In one embodiment, the supportstructure has a substantially rectangular shape and the at least oneappendage portion abuts a side of the support structure to provide theperimeter shape of the display surface with a shape other than thesubstantially rectangular shape of the support structure. In oneembodiment, the at least one appendage portion includes first, second,third, and fourth appendage portions, each abutting one of the sides ofthe support structure. In one embodiment, the support structure includesfirst and second substantially parallel and substantially rectangularsheets coupled to one another via four channel members forming flangesnear edges of the sheets. In one embodiment, the display surfaceincludes a first display surface portion on the support structure and atleast one second display surface portion on the at least one appendageportion, the at least one appendage portion abutting the side of thesupport structure to provide the graphic design on the display surfacewith an uninterrupted visual appearance. In one embodiment, the supportstructure includes a first support structure portion and a secondsupport structure portion, and the display surface further includes afirst display surface portion on the first support structure portion anda second display surface portion on the second support structureportion, the first and second support structure portions coupled to oneanother to provide the graphic design on the display surface with anuninterrupted visual appearance.

In one embodiment, the scoreboard further includes a video monitor. Inone embodiment, the scoreboard further includes an electronicillumination device adapted to illuminate a portion of the scoreboardother than the plurality of numerical representations, wherein theelectronic illumination device and the plurality of numericalrepresentations are operable independently of one another. In oneembodiment, the scoreboard further includes perimeter lights located atperimeter regions of the display surface and operable independently ofthe plurality of numerical representations. In one embodiment, thescoreboard further includes interactive lights located at selectedregions of the display surface, the interactive lights adapted to beilluminated by an operator to correspond to an event.

In one embodiment, the display surface is substantially flat. In anotherembodiment, the display surface is three-dimensional. In one embodiment,the scoreboard further includes a three-dimensional structure coupled tothe support structure and embodying the theme embodied by each of theperimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic design.

According to another embodiment, a scoreboard for events includes arigid support structure; at least one appendage portion coupled to andsupported by the support structure; a display surface coupled to thesupport structure and the at least one appendage portion, the displaysurface having a perimeter shape corresponding to a perimeter shape ofthe support structure with the at least one appendage portion coupledthereto, the perimeter shape of the display surface embodying a theme; agraphic design overlying the display surface; and a plurality ofnumerical representations.

In one embodiment, the graphic design embodies a theme that issubstantially similar to the theme embodied by the perimeter shape ofthe display surface. In one embodiment, the graphic design overliessubstantially all of the display surface.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of constructing ascoreboard having a rigid support structure, at least one appendageportion, and a display surface including a display surface portion ofthe support structure and at least one display surface portion of the atleast one appendage portion, the display surface having a perimetershape embodying a theme includes forming the display surface portion ofthe at least one appendage portion to have at least one appendageportion perimeter shape; and attaching the at least one appendageportion to at least one peripheral region of the support structure, theperipheral region selected so that the display surface of the scoreboardhas the perimeter shape embodying the theme.

In one embodiment, the method further includes applying a graphic designto the display surface of the scoreboard, the graphic design embodyingthe theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface.

In one embodiment, attaching the at least one appendage portion to theat least one peripheral region of the support structure includes slidinga flange of the support structure between a panel of the at least oneappendage portion and a structural member of the at least one appendageportion, and connecting a brace between the at least one appendageportion and another flange of the support structure.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, thefeatures of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboardincorporating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a detail perspective view of a portion of the scoreboard ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view of a support structure of thescoreboard of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboardhaving two support structures coupled together.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a scoreboardhaving appendage portions.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are, respectively, front and side views of thescoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are, respectively, a front view and an explodedperspective view of an appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is a detail side view of a portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6B is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of thescoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6C is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of thescoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6D, 6E, and 6F are, respectively, perspective, front, and sideviews of a brace of the scoreboard of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7A is a partially exploded detail side view of a portion of thescoreboard of FIG. 3 having another embodiment of a brace.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are, respectively, top and side views of a bracket forcoupling to the brace of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the scoreboard ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the scoreboardof FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of the portion of thescoreboard of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of another portion of thescoreboard of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18A is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 18B is an exploded perspective view of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 18C and 18D are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and afront view of an appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 18E and 18F are, respectively, an exploded perspective view and afront view of another appendage portion of the scoreboard of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a scoreboard according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a scoreboard according to another embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, a scoreboard 100 according to oneembodiment of the present invention includes a rigid support structure10; a display surface 15 coupled to the support structure 10; a graphicdesign overlying the display surface 15; and a plurality of numericalrepresentations. In one embodiment, the display surface 15 includes apattern of openings 28, the graphic design overlies the display surfacewithout covering the openings 28 (e.g., a graphic sheet 30 having apattern of openings 32 corresponding to the pattern of openings 28 ofthe display surface 15), and the numerical representations are inregistration with the openings 28 (see, e.g., FIG. 2).

With further reference to FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the supportstructure 10 is a rigid, hollow three-dimensional support structureincluding flat front and rear panels 12 and 14, a pair of vertical sidepanels 16, horizontal top and bottom panels 18, 20. The side panels 16and the top and bottom panels 18, 20, in one embodiment, are U-shapedchannels having a front flange 22 and a rear flange 23. The front andrear flanges 22, 23 are connected to inner surfaces of the front andrear panels 12, 14 (e.g., by fasteners, welding, mechanically cinching,or any other suitable device or method) in order to form a box-shapedconstruction of the support structure 10. The resulting supportstructure 10 when assembled is flanged all the way around the edges ofboth the front and rear panels 12, 14 (as shown, for example, in thescoreboard of FIG. 2). Corner brackets, such as bracket 24, are attachedto and join the side panels 16 to the top and bottom panels 18 and 20 tofurther strengthen the support structure 10. In one embodiment, thecomponents of the support structure 10 are formed of sheet metal.However, in alternative embodiments, the components of the supportstructure 10 may be formed of aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, and/or anyother suitable material, and further may be covered with any suitablecorrosion-resisting material, such as galvanneal coating, powdercoating, and/or paint. Furthermore, the support structure 10 may beformed having a configuration varying from that described above withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The graphic design is applied to the display surface 15 of thescoreboard 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one embodiment, thegraphic design is printed on a graphic sheet 30 that is attached to thedisplay surface 15 by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the graphic sheet30 is a vinyl sheet. Alternatively, the graphic sheet 30 may be formedof any other suitable material and may be attached to the displaysurface 15 by any other suitable-device. Further, in alternativeembodiments, the graphic design may be applied to the display surface 15by any suitable device or method other than by attachment of the graphicsheet 30, such as by painting or printing directly on the displaysurface 15. Furthermore, although the graphic sheet 30 is depicted inFIGS. 1A-1C (as are graphic sheets of other embodiments described laterherein) as having a pattern of openings 32 corresponding to the patternof openings 28 of the display surface 15, the graphic sheet 30 mayalternatively be formed of a transparent or translucent vinyl or othermaterial such that the numerical representations are visible through thegraphic sheet 30 and the pattern of openings 32 of the graphic sheet 30is thereby unnecessary.

Reference is made to provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/007,331filed on Dec. 11, 2007 and design patent applications Ser. Nos.29/298,937; 29/298,936; 29/298,934 and 29/298,931 filed on Dec. 14, 2007for typical graphic designs used in practicing the invention. Thedisclosures of these applications are incorporated fully herein byreference. The graphic design, in some embodiments, follows a sportstheme. In other embodiments, the graphic design embodies a geographictheme or other theme, or a combination of two or more themes that may berelated or unrelated.

The support structure 10 functions as a housing for numericalrepresentations of the scoreboard 100 (such as those shown in FIG. 2)and associated control circuitry. By way of example, each numericalrepresentation may be formed of an array of light emitting diodes(LEDs). Alternatively, the numerical representations may be produced byany other suitable device or method, such as by incorporating a videomonitor or a plasma or liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. As such, thescoreboard 100, in some embodiments, is an electromechanical scoreboard.According to one embodiment, the pattern of openings 28 is formed in thefront panel 12 (see FIG. 1C), the corresponding pattern of openings 32is formed in the graphic sheet 30 (see FIG. 1A and 1B), and thenumerical representations are in registration with the openings 28 and32 so that the numerical representations are visible from outside of thescoreboard 100. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the front panel 12does not have the openings 28, and the numerical representations aresurface-mounted on the front panel 12. As such, the graphic sheet 30 mayinclude the pattern of openings 32, or alternatively, may be formed of atransparent or translucent material, as described above.

In one embodiment, the support structure 10 may function as a housingfor one or more video monitors of the scoreboard 100, such as a plasma,LCD, or LED screen. The video monitors may be operated in conjunctionwith or separately from the numerical representations of the scoreboard100. Further, the scoreboard may include an electronic message centerconfigured to flash, scroll, or otherwise display messages. Anelectronic message center may be embodied in a video monitor or may be aseparate device. Moreover, the scoreboard 100 may include one or both ofa video monitor or an electronic message center.

With reference to FIG. 2, a scoreboard 200 has a display surface that isenlarged by coupling two or more three-dimensional support structures 10a, 10 b together. The support structures 10 a, 10 b have substantiallythe same components and construction as the support structure 10described above and shown in FIG. 1C. The support structures 10 a, 10 bare connected together by plates 38 set between the front and rearflanges 22, 23 of the side panels 16. The plates 38, in one embodiment,are secured to each of the support structures 10 a, 10 b via fasteners,but alternatively may be secured via welding. Moreover, in alternativeembodiments, the support structures 10 a, 10 b may be coupled togetherusing any other suitable device of method, as opposed to utilizing theplates 38.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the scoreboard 200 has a displaysurface made up of the display surfaces 15 a, 15 b of each of thesupport structures 10 a, 10 b. In the embodiment shown, the displaysurface of the scoreboard 200 is substantially rectangular. However, inalternative embodiments, the scoreboard 200 may have a display surfacehaving any desired perimeter shape. Additionally, the scoreboard 200includes a graphic design on the display surface. In one embodiment, thegraphic design is made up of graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b attached to thedisplay surfaces 15 a, 15 b. Alternatively, the graphic design may beformed on a single graphic sheet having a perimeter shape correspondingto the display surface of the scoreboard 200, as a whole, and that isattached to the display surface of the scoreboard 200.

The display surfaces 15 a, 15 b and the graphic sheets 30 a, 30 binclude openings 28 and 32, respectively, for displaying numericalrepresentations of the scoreboard. By way of example, each numericalrepresentation could be formed by an array of LEDs such as array 26. TheLEDs are in registration with the openings 28 and 32 described above sothat the LEDs are visible from the outside of the scoreboard. Further,in one embodiment, the scoreboard 200 includes protective covers 27 andretaining frames 29 over the openings 28 and 32.

With reference to FIG. 3, a scoreboard 300 includes one or more supportstructures, such as support structures 10 a, 10 b, that are connectedtogether, such as described above with respect to the scoreboard 200. Inaddition, the scoreboard 300 includes one or more appendage portions,such as appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d that are connected tothe one or more support structures 10 a, 10 b in the manner describedbelow in connection with FIGS. 3-6F. Further, each of the appendageportions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d has a respective display surface 45 a,45 b, 45 c, 45 d. Because of the added appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40c, 40 d, the scoreboard 300 has a display surface made up of all of thedisplay surfaces 15 a, 15 b, 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d that is enlarged andthat may have any desired perimeter shape. Although the scoreboard 300shown in FIG. 3 includes the four appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c,40 d, one of which is located on each side of the substantiallyrectangular structure consisting of the support structures 10 a, 10 b,the scoreboard 300 may alternatively include more than one appendageportion on a single side of one of the support structures 10 a, 10 b, oralternatively, there may be one or more sides of the support structures10 a, 10 b that do not have an appendage portion attached thereto. Inone embodiment, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are formedof a weather-resistant sheet metal. However, in alternative embodiments,the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be constructed ofaluminum, fiberglass, plastic and/or any other suitable material, andfurther may be covered with any suitable corrosion-resisting material,such as galvanneal coating, powder coating, and/or paint.

The display surface of the scoreboard 300 is enlarged and adapted tohave different shapes as a result of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b,40 c, 40 d that are attached to the support structures 10 a, 10 b. Asillustrated in FIG. 4A, if the display surface of the scoreboard 300embodies a shape of a basketball or other circular object, the perimeteredges of the display surfaces 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d of the appendageportions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d are curved to form a circle when coupledto the support structures 10 a and 10 b. If the display surface of thescoreboard 300 has a different perimeter shape, in each case, theappendage portions have perimeter edges to produce that shape. Inaddition, each of the display surfaces 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d has arespective graphic sheet 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f attached thereto, suchthat the scoreboard 300, as a whole, includes a graphic design made upof all of the graphic sheets 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, 30 e, 30 f. In analternative embodiment, the scoreboard 300 may have a graphic designmade up of a single graphic sheet that is attached to the displaysurface of the scoreboard 300 after the support structures 10 a, 10 band the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d have been assembled asa unitary structure.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 c, accordingto one embodiment, are coupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b viabraces 46 a and are supported directly from the support structures 10 a,10 b. Although not shown, the appendage portions 40 b, 40 d may becoupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b in the same manner.Alternatively, the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may becoupled to the support structures 10 a, 10 b via brackets, fasteners, orany other suitable device or combination of devices. The supportstructures 10 a, 10 b may include apertures or other suitable devicesfor supporting or mounting the scoreboard 300 above the ground, such asvia posts or mounting devices.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the appendage portion 40 a includes afront panel 42 having the display surface 45 a. In one embodiment, astiffening brace 48 is attached (e.g., by welding, fasteners, rivets, orany other suitable device or method) to the side of the front panel 42opposite the display surface 45 a. The stiffening brace 48, which may bea bowed brace, provides stiffness and rigidity to the appendage portion40 a, as may be required to withstand winds, for example. Depending onwind rating requirements and/or the size of the appendage portion 40 a,the stiffening brace 48 may be formed of a structural angle, squaretubing, or any other suitable structural member. Alternatively, theappendage portion 40 a may be constructed without the stiffening brace,such as where the appendage portion 40 a protrudes only a small distancefrom the support structure 10 a (e.g., less than eight inches) and, as aresult, will not be affected substantially by wind forces.

Further, in one embodiment, an angle member 50, such as a right anglebar, is attached (e.g., by welding, fasteners, or any other suitabledevice or method) to the side of the front panel 42 opposite the displaysurface 45 a to provide a means of attaching the appendage portion 40 ato the support structure 10 a. For example, in one embodiment, the anglemember 50 is attachable to the front flange 22 of one of the side panels16 of the support structure 10 a. The other appendage portions 40 b, 40c, 40 d may have the same or similar components and structure asdescribed above with respect to the appendage portion 40 a.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the braces 46 a are utilized toconnect an appendage portion (e.g., the appendage portion 40 a) to asupport structure (e.g., the support structure 10 a). Specifically, theappendage portion 40 a is configured to slide over the front panel 12and the front flange 22 of the support structure 10 a, such as bysliding the front panel 12 and the front flange 22 into a gap 51 (seeFIG. 6C) formed between the front panel 42 and the angle member 50 ofthe appendage portion 40 a (e.g., with an interference fit). As a resultof the sliding on the front panel 12 and the front flange 22 into thegap 51, an overlap is created between the appendage portion 40 a and thesupport structure 10 a. In one embodiment, an interference fit is about1.5 inches and the appendage portion extends between about 7 inches andabout 47 inches from the support structure 10 a, but in alternativeembodiments, an overlap may be any other suitable overlap for providingstructural rigidity and strength between the appendage portion 40 a andthe support structure 10 a or there may be no overlap at all. The gap 51may be formed, for example, by welding only a top region of the anglemember 50 to the front panel 42, such that the gap 51 remains at a loweredge of the front panel 42 and a lower region of the angle member 50.Further, the angle member 50 may be attached to the support structure 10a via one or more fasteners (see FIG. 7A), or via any other suitabledevice, for additional structural support.

Each of the braces 46 a is connected at a first end of the brace 46 a tothe stiffening brace 48 and at a second end of the brace 46 b to therear flange 23 of one of the panels 16, 18, 20 of one of the supportstructures 10 a, 10 b via fasteners, or alternatively, by welding or anyother suitable device or method. In one embodiment, the brace 46 a has aslot 54 a, or oblong hole, formed near the second end where the brace 46a is connected to the support structure 10 a, 10 b. The slot 54 a, oroblong hole, provides for axial movement of the brace 46 a duringinstallation.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, according to another embodiment, one ormore of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be coupled toone or more of the support structures 10 a, 10 b via a substantiallyflat brace 46 b. Further, each of the braces 46 b may be secured at oneend to the stiffening brace 48 and at the other end to the rear flange23 of one of the panels 16, 18, 20 of the support structure 10 a viaconnecting brackets 52, shown in further detail in FIGS. 7B and 7C. Thebraces 46 b, in one embodiment, are connected to the connecting brackets52 via fasteners, but alternatively may be connected by welding or anyother suitable device or method. The connecting brackets 52 include anoblong hole 54 b, or a slot, for receiving a fastener. Additionally, theoblong hole 54 b allows axial movement of the connecting bracket 52during installation. Of course, as described above, in anotherembodiment, the braces 46 a may connect the appendage portions to thesupport structures without the connecting brackets. Furthermore, theappendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d may be attached to the supportstructures 10 a, 10 b by any other suitable device or method other thanor in addition to those described above, including, but not limited to,utilizing rivets, screws, adhesive, welding, and/or interference fit,without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 8-12, according to another embodiment of theinvention, a scoreboard 400 has another configuration. In the embodimentshown, the scoreboard 400 includes a display surface having a perimetershape corresponding to a shape of a baseball bat, although otherembodiments of the scoreboard 400 are not limited to this shape and mayinclude a display surface having any desired perimeter shape. Forexample, the scoreboard 400 may have a perimeter shape corresponding toany other sports theme, or alternatively, to a geographic theme, acommunity theme, a recreation or activity-based theme, a sponsor-basedtheme, a mascot theme, or any other desired theme. Many of thecomponents of the scoreboard 400 are similar to and perform a functionsimilar to corresponding components of the scoreboards 100, 200, 300described above. These components are shown using the same referencenumerals and are not described anew herein with reference to thescoreboard 400.

The scoreboard 400 has one or more support structures, such as supportstructures 410 a, 410 b shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The support structures410 a, 410 b have front panels 412 a, 412 b having any desired perimetershape, such as that of a baseball bat, although rear panels and otherportions of the support structures 410 a, 410 b may have a substantiallyrectangular shape for providing structural rigidity and ease ofmanufacturing. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, a display surfaceof the scoreboard 400 is made up of display surfaces 415 a, 415 b, whichare front surfaces of the front panels 412 a, 412 b. As such, an outerperimeter shape of the display surface of the scoreboard 400 is definedby perimeter shapes of the front panels 412 a, 412 b of the supportstructures 410 a, 410 b (e.g., a shape of a bat handle and a shape of abarrel end of a bat). This is in contrast to the scoreboard 300described above, in which a perimeter shape of the display surface wasdefined, at least in part, by perimeter shapes of the display surfaces45 a, 45 b, 45 c, 45 d of the appendage portions 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d.

The scoreboard 400 may further include a graphic design on the displaysurfaces 415 a, 415 b. In one embodiment, a graphic design may embody atheme corresponding to a theme embodied by a perimeter shape of thedisplay surface. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8-12, a the scoreboard400 has a display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to theshape of a baseball bat, and further includes a graphic designincorporating wood grain lines and/or grip tape on the handle end of thebat. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8-12, according to one embodiment, thegraphic design may be printed on graphic sheets 430 a, 430 b that areapplied to the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b, similar to the graphicsheets 30 a, 30 b of the scoreboard 200 described above. Alternatively,the graphic design may be printed directly on the display surfaces 415a, 415 b or applied to the display surfaces 415 a, 415 b via any othersuitable device or method.

That is, a scoreboard may be made up of a number of modular elements inaccordance with the principles of the invention. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 3-6F, for example, one or more three-dimensional supportstructures are joined together and one or more outboard panels, orappendage portions, are coupled to the three-dimensional supportstructure(s) to form a display surface having a desired perimeter shape.Moreover, a graphic design (e.g., a graphic design printed on a vinylsheet) that follows the perimeter shape of the support structure(s) andoutboard panel(s) coupled thereto may be attached to the displaysurface. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8-12, the display surface having adesired perimeter shape is incorporated in one or more three-dimensionalsupport structures, themselves, without outboard panels coupled thereto.

A scoreboard according to embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a display surface having an outer perimeter shape thatincorporates a theme. With reference to FIG. 13, a scoreboard 500includes a display surface having a perimeter shape that incorporates orembodies a sports theme, i.e. a football. Of course, in otherembodiments, the scoreboard 500 may have a display surface having aperimeter shape embodying any other desired sports theme. For example,the scoreboard 500 may have a display surface having a perimeter shapecorresponding to that of a sports ball, sporting field, sporting court,sporting rink, article of sports equipment, sports player, sportsmascot, sports trophy, or any other desired shape having a sports theme.The scoreboard 500 also includes numerical representations 525, and inone embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 has openingsfor displaying the numerical representations 525. In another embodiment,the numerical representations 525 may include LEDs or other devices thatare surface-mounted on the display surface.

With further reference to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, thescoreboard 500 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions,such as appendage portions 540 a, 540 b, 540 c, 540 d, to a supportstructure 510 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure510. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 500 ismade up of a first display surface portion 515 on the support structure510 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or moreappendage portions, such as display surface portions 545 a, 545 b, 545c, 545 d on the appendage portions 540 a, 540 b, 540 c, 540 d.

With further reference to FIG. 13, the display surface of the scoreboard500 that has a perimeter shape embodying a sports theme may furtherinclude a graphic design embodying the same sports theme. According toone embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the display surface of thescoreboard 500 includes a graphic design depicting stripes and laces,and may further depict a dimpled texture (not shown), of a football. Inanother embodiment of the scoreboard 500, the display surface has aperimeter shape of a baseball diamond and may include a graphic designdepicting bases, grass, baselines, a pitcher's mound, and/or otherobjects associated with a baseball diamond. Alternatively, thescoreboard 500 may include a graphic design incorporating a sports themeother than the sports theme embodied by the perimeter shape of thedisplay surface, or the scoreboard 500 may include a graphic designincorporating a non-sports theme or a combination of themes. The graphicdesign may be printed on a graphic sheet 530 of vinyl or any othersuitable material that is attached to the display surface or,alternatively, the graphic design may be printed directly on the displaysurface or applied to the scoreboard 500 using any other suitable deviceor method.

With reference to FIG. 14, according to another embodiment, a scoreboard550, similar to the scoreboard 200 described above, includes a supportstructure 560 having a display surface 565, as well as numericalrepresentations 575, but does not include appendage portions asdescribed above with respect to the scoreboard 500. That is, the displaysurface 565 has a perimeter shape substantially the same as the shape ofthe support structure 560. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, thedisplay surface 565 has a substantially rectangular perimeter shape.Moreover, the perimeter shape of the display surface 565 embodies atheme having a corresponding shape (i.e. a rectangular shape), and thescoreboard 550 further includes a graphic design embodying the same or asubstantially similar theme. For example, the scoreboard 550 shown inFIG. 14 has a graphic design depicting stripes on a basketball court,and may further depict a wood-grain floor (not shown), and this graphicdesign corresponds to the perimeter shape of the display surface 565which, in turn, embodies the theme of a basketball court because it isrectangular.

In other embodiments, the graphic design of the scoreboard 550 mayincorporate or embody any other desired theme, such as a sports themethat is also embodied by the rectangular perimeter shape of the displaysurface 565. For example, the scoreboard 550 may include a graphicdesign embodying a theme of a soccer field or a football field, such asby including goals or yardage markings, respectively. Furthermore, thesupport structure 560 and the display surface 565 are not limited to arectangular perimeter shape. For example, the support structure 560 andthe display surface 565 may have an oval shape or otherwise roundedcorners, corresponding to a shape of a racetrack or a hockey rink. Thegraphic design, in one embodiment, is printed on a graphic sheet 580 ofvinyl or any other suitable material and adhered to the display surface565 utilizing an adhesive. Alternatively, the graphic design may beprinted or otherwise applied directly on the display surface 565, orapplied to the display surface 565 via any other suitable device ormethod.

Of course, according to other embodiments of the present invention, ascoreboard may have a display surface having a perimeter shape and/or agraphic design embodying any other desired theme. For example, ascoreboard may have a display surface and/or a graphic design embodyinga theme corresponding to a geographic theme (such as a shape of a stateor county); a community theme (such as a city seal, a flag, or a shapeor depiction of an object commonly associated with a particularcommunity); a park, recreation, or activity-based theme; a sponsor-basedtheme (such as a shape or depiction of a soft drink container, food, orother product or service of a sponsor); a mascot theme, or any otherdesired theme. As described above with respect to the scoreboards 500,550 embodying a sports theme, a graphic design of a scoreboard mayembody a same or similar theme as a theme embodied by a perimeter shapeof the display surface of the scoreboard.

With reference to FIG. 15, a scoreboard 600 includes numericalrepresentations 625 and a display surface having an outer perimetershape that embodies a geographic theme. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 15, the display surface of the scoreboard 600 has a perimeter shapecorresponding to the shape of the state of Texas. Alternatively, thedisplay surface of the scoreboard 600 may have a perimeter shapecorresponding to the shape of any other state, country, province,county, or other desired geographic region. Further, as described abovewith respect to the scoreboard 500, the display surface of thescoreboard 600 may include a graphic design embodying a themesubstantially similar to or the same as the theme of the perimeter shapeof the display surface and/or a graphic design incorporating a differenttheme. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, in one embodiment, thescoreboard 600 has a graphic design showing a star, thereby embodying atheme corresponding to the theme of the perimeter shape of the displaysurface. The graphic design may also include wavy lines to give theappearance of a flag and/or may include the colors of the state flag ofTexas. The graphic design may be printed on a vinyl sheet 630 that isattached to the display surface, as described above. Alternatively, thegraphic design may be printed or otherwise applied directly on thedisplay surface of the scoreboard 600 or applied to the scoreboard 600using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 15, according to one embodiment, similarto the scoreboard 300 described above, the scoreboard 600 is formed bycoupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 640a, 640 b, 640 c, 640 d, to a support structure 610 at one or moreperimeter edges of the support structure 610. In one embodiment, thedisplay surface of the scoreboard 600 is made up of a first displaysurface portion 615 on the support structure 610 and one or more seconddisplay surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such asdisplay surface portions 645 a, 645 b, 645 c, 645 d on the appendageportions 640 a, 640 b, 640 c, 640 d.

With reference to FIG. 16, a scoreboard 650 includes numericalrepresentations 675 and a display surface having an outer perimetershape that embodies a park, community, or recreation-based, theme. Inone embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the display surface of thescoreboard 650 has a perimeter shape corresponding to a park or cityseal. Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 650 may havea perimeter shape corresponding to any other desired park orrecreation-based theme. Further, the scoreboard 650, according to oneembodiment, includes a graphic design embodying a theme corresponding tothe theme of the perimeter shape of the display surface. Alternatively,the scoreboard 650 may include a graphic design incorporating one ormore themes that are different than the theme embodied by the perimetershape. The graphic design may be printed on a graphic sheet 680 that isattached to the display surface, or alternatively, the graphic designmay be printed or otherwise applied directly on the display surface ofthe scoreboard 650 or applied to the scoreboard 650 using any othersuitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 16, according to one embodiment, similarto the scoreboard 300 described above, the scoreboard 650 is formed bycoupling one or more appendage portions, such as appendage portions 690a, 690 b, 690 c, 690 d, to a support structure 660 at one or moreperimeter edges of the support structure 660. In one embodiment, thedisplay surface of the scoreboard 650 is made up of a first displaysurface portion 665 on the support structure 660 and one or more seconddisplay surface portions on the one or more appendage portions, such asdisplay surface portions 695 a, 695 b, 695 c, 695 d on the appendageportions 690 a, 690 b, 690 c, 690 d.

With reference to FIG. 17, a scoreboard 700 includes numericalrepresentations 725 and a display surface having an outer perimetershape that embodies a community, or activity-based, theme. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the display surface of the scoreboard700 has a perimeter shape corresponding to a hot-air balloon.Alternatively, the display surface of the scoreboard 700 may have aperimeter shape corresponding to any other activity-based orcommunity-based theme. Alternatively, the scoreboard 700 may include agraphic design incorporating one or more themes that are different thanthe theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design may beprinted on a graphic sheet 730 that is attached to the display surface,or alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applieddirectly on the display surface of the scoreboard 700 or applied to thescoreboard 700 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIG. 17, according to one embodiment, thescoreboard 700 is formed by coupling one or more appendage portions,such as appendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d, to a supportstructure 710 at one or more perimeter edges of the support structure710. In one embodiment, the display surface of the scoreboard 700 ismade up of a first display surface portion 715 on the support structure710 and one or more second display surface portions on the one or moreappendage portions, such as display surface portions 745 a, 745 b, 745c, 745 d on the appendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d. Theappendage portions 740 a, 740 b, 740 c, 740 d may be attached to thesupport structure 710 as described above with respect to the scoreboard300 or via any other suitable device or method.

With reference to FIGS. 18A-18F, according to another embodiment, ascoreboard 750 has a display surface having a perimeter shapesubstantially corresponding to a sponsor-based theme. For example, thescoreboard 750 shown in FIGS. 18A-18F has a perimeter shape embodying ashape of a sponsor's soft drink bottle cap. Of course, in otherembodiments, the scoreboard 750 may have a perimeter shape correspondingto any other object or article associated with a sponsor. The scoreboard750 also includes numerical representations 775. Further, the scoreboard750 may have a graphic design embodying the same theme embodied by theperimeter shape of the display surface. For example, as shown in FIG.18A, according to one embodiment, a graphic design includes the word“DRINK” and the Coca-Cola logo. COCA-COLA is a registered trademark ofThe Coca-Cola Company. Further, the graphic design of the scoreboardhaving a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a bottle cap maybe red in color and/or have lines depicting a shiny, metallic surface.Of course, according to other embodiments, the scoreboard 750 mayinclude any other desired graphic design associated with a sponsor andcorresponding to a sponsor-based theme embodied by the perimeter shapeof the display surface. Alternatively, the scoreboard 750 may include agraphic design incorporating one or more themes that are different thanthe theme embodied by the perimeter shape. The graphic design may beprinted on a graphic sheet 780 that is attached to the display surface,or alternatively, the graphic design may be printed or otherwise applieddirectly on the display surface of the scoreboard 750 or applied to thescoreboard 750 using any other suitable device or method.

With further reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, according to oneembodiment, the scoreboard 750 is formed by coupling one or moreappendage portions, such as appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c, 790d, to a support structure 760 at one or more perimeter edges of thesupport structure 760. In one embodiment, the display surface of thescoreboard 750 is made up of a first display surface portion 765 on thesupport structure 760 and one or more second display surface portions onthe one or more appendage portions, such as display surface portions 795a, 795 b, 795 c, 795 d on the appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c,790 d. The appendage portions 790 a, 790 b, 790 c, 790 d may be attachedto the support structure 760 as described above with respect to thescoreboard 300 or via any other suitable device or method. The graphicsheet 780 is not shown in FIG. 18B for clarity.

With further reference to FIGS. 18C-18F, the appendage portions 790 aand 790 b having the display surfaces 795 a and 795 b, respectively, areshown in further detail. According to one embodiment, the appendageportions 790 a, 790 b (and also the appendage portions 790 c, 790 ddescribed above) include stiffening braces 796 a, 796 b and anglemembers 798 a, 798 b on a surface opposite the display surfaces 795 a,795 b (i.e. a rear surface). The stiffening braces 796 a, 796 b and theangle members 798 a, 798 b are similar in structure and function to thestiffening brace 48 and the angle member 50, respectively, describedabove with respect to the scoreboard 300. The graphic sheet 780 is notshown in FIGS. 18C-18F for clarity.

With reference to FIG. 19, according to another embodiment, a scoreboard800 includes a three-dimensional display surface 815. For example, asshown in FIG. 19, the three-dimensional display surface 815 has an outerperimeter shape corresponding to a shape of a baseball bat and also hasa curvature in a depth direction such that the display surface 815 morerealistically embodies the appearance of a baseball bat. Additionally,in one embodiment, the scoreboard 800 includes tapered or beveledportions 820 around the numerical representations so that the numericalrepresentations are not obstructed by the three-dimensional shape of thedisplay surface 815 when viewed from an angle, such as from a side ofthe scoreboard 800. Of course, in other embodiments of the scoreboard800, the three-dimensional display surface 815 may have a perimetershape and a curvature in a depth direction embodying a shape of anyother desired object, such as, but not limited to, a football helmet, aball, or a sports pennant.

Also, the scoreboard 800 (or another scoreboard having a substantiallyflat display surface) may include one or more structures having athree-dimensional shape that are attached to a portion of the scoreboardto provide the scoreboard with the appearance of a three-dimensionalobject. For example, according to one embodiment, a scoreboard mayinclude tubing having the appearance and shape of a football face guardto provide the scoreboard with the appearance of a football helmet. Inthis embodiment, the scoreboard may further have a three-dimensionaldisplay surface having a perimeter shape and appearance of a footballhelmet.

In one embodiment, a scoreboard may include one or morethree-dimensional structures protruding from the display surface of thescoreboard to more realistically provide the display surface with theappearance of an object of the theme embodied by the perimeter shape ofthe display surface. For example, a scoreboard having a perimeter shapeof a baseball or a football may further include one or more structuresprotruding from the display surface having the appearance of seams of abaseball or laces of a football, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 20, a scoreboard 900 includes a display surface915 and numerical representations 925. The scoreboard 900 may furtherinclude a graphic design 930, such as on a graphic sheet, as describedabove (e.g., a vinyl sheet applied by an adhesive), or a graphic designprinted or otherwise applied directly on the display surface 915. Thescoreboard 900, in one embodiment, further includes one or moreelectronic illumination devices 920 on the display surface 915. Theelectronic illumination device 920 may be a video monitor or any othersuitable illumination device, and may be located at any desired locationon the scoreboard 900. The electronic illumination device 920 may depicta team name, a school name, a logo (e.g., a logo for a sports team), orany other desired object. The electronic illumination device 920 may beoperated via a wireless key fob. Further, in one embodiment, theelectronic illumination device 920 is operable independently of thenumerical representations of the main scoreboard and controllable viaseparate software. In addition, the scoreboard 900 may include two ormore electronic illumination devices 920 at different locations on thedisplay surface 915 that are synchronized with one another for producingmore visually appealing displays. For example, the electronicillumination devices 920 may be synchronized to illuminate eitherconcurrently, in succession, in alternating succession, or in any otherdesired pattern.

With further reference to FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 900includes a multitude of perimeter lights 932. The perimeter lights 932are located at or near one or more perimeter edges of the displaysurface 915 (e.g., at locations selected to avoid visually detractingfrom a graphic design on the display surface 915). In one embodiment,the perimeter lights 932 are individual light emitting diodes (LEDs).The LEDs may be white LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installedindoors, super-bright red LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to beinstalled outdoors, or alternatively, the perimeter lights may be LEDsof any other desired color or combination of colors, or any othersuitable illumination device other than LEDs. The perimeter lights 932may be programmed for several distinct patterns of illumination, such asscrolling, flashing, chasing, or any other desired pattern. Furthermore,a period of illumination may be controlled to have any desired duration,such as between about five and eight seconds.

The perimeter lights 932 may be configured to be operable through a mainscoreboard controller via a scoreboard function key. For example, thecontroller may have a default setting in which the perimeter lights 932are not illuminated. Alternatively, the perimeter lights 932 may beoperable via a wireless controller separate from the main scoreboardcontroller. Such a wireless controller may be configured to illuminatethe perimeter lights 932 when an operator presses a single key.Moreover, the wireless controller for operating the perimeter lights 932may be configured to override the main scoreboard controller uponactivation.

With further reference to FIG. 20, the scoreboard 900 may includeinteractive lights on the display surface 915 (e.g., at locationsselected to avoid visually detracting from a graphic design on thedisplay surface 915). For example, in one embodiment, the scoreboard 900includes a display surface 915 having a perimeter shape embodying theshape of a baseball diamond and includes interactive base path lights940 that may be illuminated to depict an event in a baseball game. Forexample, when a player hits a single, the base path lights 940 betweenhome plate and first base may light up or flash for a period of time,such as between about five and eight seconds. Similarly, for a double,triple, or home run, the base path lights 940 between the correspondingbases would be illuminated. Further, the scoreboard 900, in oneembodiment, includes interactive base lights 942 that may be illuminatedby an operator to represent that a player is at a particular basecorresponding to the illuminated interactive base light 942. Forexample, after a player hits a double, the interactive base light 942may be illuminated to represent that there is a base runner at secondbase.

The interactive lights 940, 942, in one embodiment, are individual LEDs,such as white LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installed indoors,super-bright red LEDs where the scoreboard 900 is to be installedoutdoors, or alternatively, LEDs of any other desired color orcombination of colors. Alternatively, the interactive lights 940, 942may include tube lights or any other suitable device for interactivelyilluminating a desired region of the scoreboard 900. Further, theinteractive lights 940, 942 may be controlled by the main scoreboardoperator (i.e. the operator who controls the display of the numericalrepresentations).

Other embodiments of a scoreboard according to the present invention mayinclude interactive lights configured to be illuminated to representother events of a sporting event. For example, in a scoreboard utilizedfor a basketball game and having a perimeter shape and graphicsembodying a basketball court, interactive lights on the scoreboard maybe located at a foul line or a three-point line and may be illuminatedto represent, respectively, a free throw or a three-point shot beingmade. In another example, a scoreboard for use at a football game mayhave a perimeter shape corresponding to the shape of a football fieldand include interactive lights configured to indicate a yardage line onthe actual field where a team has possession of the football byilluminating a region along a length of the scoreboard corresponding tothat yardage line. Further, a football scoreboard may includeinteractive lights at an end zone region configured to illuminate orflash for a desired period of time, such as for about ten seconds, aftera team scores a touchdown. Yet another example according to the presentinvention is a scoreboard having a perimeter shape corresponding to theshape of a soccer field and including interactive lights at a goalregion that are adapted to illuminate when a team scores a goal, and/orinteractive lights at a corner region of the “field” of the scoreboardthat are configured to be illuminated when a team is attempting a cornerkick.

Although the scoreboard 900 is depicted in FIG. 20 as including each ofthe electronic illumination device 920, the perimeter lights 932, andthe interactive lights 940, 942, embodiments of the scoreboard 900 mayinclude only one of these described components or any desiredcombination thereof. For example, the scoreboard 900 may include theelectronic illumination device 920 and the interactive lights 940, 942,but not the perimeter lights 932. Alternatively, the scoreboard 900 mayinclude any other desired combination of these described features.Further, the electronic illumination device 920, the perimeter lights932, and the interactive lights 940, 942, or any combination thereof,may also be provided on any of the embodiments of a scoreboard of thepresent invention described earlier herein.

Although the drawings illustrate the invention as applied to ascoreboard for sporting events, it will be apparent that the novelaspects of the scoreboard of the invention may also be applied to otherapplications. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat a scoreboard may incorporate or embody various combinations of thethemes described above with respect to the shapes and graphics of thedisplay panels, as well as alternative themes not described herein,without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The preceding description has been presented with reference to variousembodiments of the invention. Persons skilled in the art and technologyto which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations andchanges in the described structures and methods of operation can bepracticed without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit,and scope of this invention.

1. A scoreboard for events, the scoreboard comprising: a rigid supportstructure; a display surface coupled to the support structure, thedisplay surface having a perimeter shape embodying a theme; a graphicdesign on the display surface, the graphic design embodying the themeembodied by the perimeter shape of the display surface; and a pluralityof numerical representations.
 2. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein thetheme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surface andthe graphic design corresponds to a sports theme.
 3. The scoreboard ofclaim 1, wherein the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape ofthe display surface and the graphic design corresponds to a geographictheme.
 4. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the theme embodied by eachof the perimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic designcorresponds to a community theme.
 5. The scoreboard of claim 1, whereinthe theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the display surfaceand the graphic design corresponds to a recreation-based theme.
 6. Thescoreboard of claim 1, wherein the theme embodied by each of theperimeter shape of the display surface and the graphic designcorresponds to a sponsor-based theme.
 7. The scoreboard of claim 1,wherein the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of the displaysurface and the graphic design corresponds to a mascot theme.
 8. Thescoreboard of claim 1, wherein the graphic design is printed on a vinylsheet.
 9. The scoreboard of claim 8, wherein the vinyl sheet is attachedto the display surface via an adhesive.
 10. The scoreboard of claim 1,wherein the graphic design is printed directly on the display surface.11. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the display surface comprises apattern of openings, and numerical representations of the plurality ofnumerical representations are in registration with openings of thepattern of openings.
 12. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the graphicdesign covers substantially all of the display surface.
 13. Thescoreboard of claim 1, further comprising at least one appendage portioncoupled to the support structure at an outboard location of the supportstructure.
 14. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the support structurehas a substantially rectangular shape and the at least one appendageportion abuts a side of the support structure to provide the perimetershape of the display surface with a shape other than the substantiallyrectangular shape of the support structure.
 15. The scoreboard of claim14, wherein the at least one appendage portion comprises first, second,third, and fourth appendage portions, each abutting one of the sides ofthe support structure.
 16. The scoreboard of claim 14, wherein thesupport structure comprises first and second substantially parallel andsubstantially rectangular sheets coupled to one another via four channelmembers forming flanges near edges of the sheets.
 17. The scoreboard ofclaim 14, wherein the display surface comprises a first display surfaceportion on the support structure and at least one second display surfaceportion on the at least one appendage portion, the at least oneappendage portion abutting the side of the support structure to providethe graphic design on the display surface with an uninterrupted visualappearance.
 18. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the support structurecomprises a first support structure portion and a second supportstructure portion, and the display surface further comprises a firstdisplay surface portion on the first support structure portion and asecond display surface portion on the second support structure portion,the first and second support structure portions coupled to one anotherto provide the graphic design on the display surface with anuninterrupted visual appearance.
 19. The scoreboard of claim 1, furthercomprising a video monitor.
 20. The scoreboard of claim 1, furthercomprising an electronic illumination device adapted to illuminate aportion of the scoreboard other than the plurality of numericalrepresentations, wherein the electronic illumination device and theplurality of numerical representations are operable independently of oneanother.
 21. The scoreboard of claim 1, further comprising perimeterlights located at perimeter regions of the display surface and operableindependently of the plurality of numerical representations.
 22. Thescoreboard of claim 1, further comprising interactive lights located atselected regions of the display surface, the interactive lights adaptedto be illuminated by an operator to correspond to an event.
 23. Thescoreboard of claim 1, wherein the display surface is substantiallyflat.
 24. The scoreboard of claim 1, wherein the display surface isthree-dimensional.
 25. The scoreboard of claim 1, further comprising athree-dimensional structure coupled to the support structure andembodying the theme embodied by each of the perimeter shape of thedisplay surface and the graphic design.
 26. A scoreboard for events, thescoreboard comprising: a rigid support structure; at least one appendageportion coupled to and supported by the support structure; a displaysurface coupled to the support structure and the at least one appendageportion, the display surface having a perimeter shape corresponding to aperimeter shape of the support structure with the at least one appendageportion coupled thereto, the perimeter shape of the display surfaceembodying a theme; a graphic design overlying the display surface; and aplurality of numerical representations.
 27. The scoreboard of claim 26,wherein the graphic design embodies a theme that is substantiallysimilar to the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of the displaysurface.
 28. The scoreboard of claim 26, wherein the graphic designoverlies substantially all of the display surface.
 29. A method ofconstructing a scoreboard having a rigid support structure, at least oneappendage portion, and a display surface including a display surfaceportion of the support structure and at least one display surfaceportion of the at least one appendage portion, the display surfacehaving a perimeter shape embodying a theme, the method comprising:forming the display surface portion of the at least one appendageportion to have at least one appendage portion perimeter shape; andattaching the at least one appendage portion to at least one peripheralregion of the support structure, the peripheral region selected so thatthe display surface of the scoreboard has the perimeter shape embodyingthe theme.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising applying agraphic design to the display surface of the scoreboard, the graphicdesign embodying the theme embodied by the perimeter shape of thedisplay surface.
 31. The method of claim 29, wherein attaching the atleast one appendage portion to the at least one peripheral region of thesupport structure comprises: sliding a flange of the support structurebetween a panel of the at least one appendage portion and a structuralmember of the at least one appendage portion; and connecting a bracebetween the at least one appendage portion and another flange of thesupport structure.